We read Evelyn Waugh and James M. Cain. We plowed through Dominick Dunne and gave the unjustly neglected Kate Braverman a chance. We learned What Makes Sammy Run and finally figured out why They Shoot Horses, Don't They?.

It's taken us four months, but we finally finished the first round of our tournament seeking the Best L.A. Novel Ever. There were some major upsets: Managing Editor Jill Stewart declared that Michael Connelly's Black Echo is better than Raymond Chandler's The Big Sleep. Sacrebleu! F. Scott Fitzgerald got knocked out in Round 1. So did T. Coraghessan Boyle, John Gregory Dunne and Charles Bukowski.

All the action continues next week, when we'll attempt the impossible and choose a winner between The Loved One and Play It As It Lays. 'Til then, here are the updated brackets -- let us know in the comments section your prediction for the book that'll go all the way.

And make sure to check out any match-ups you've missed; we've provided a complete list below.